Literature festival has something for everyone
HFrom T V presenter and maths expert Johnny Ball to a retrospective by former politician Alan Johnson to a talk on solving crimes using forensic science; stand-up comedy, films and a talk with the Yorkshire Vet Julian Norton, there’s something for everyone.
There’s a literary afternoon tea with My Legendary Girlfriend author Mike Gayle and former Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis ; poetry and wine at Kwaz in Viaduct Street ; a cosplay ball where you can dress up as your favourite fictional character, and Polari Up North, an evening of LGBTQ+ entertainment, poetry and comedy.
There are 42 events taking place in 16 venues across Huddersfield over the 10-day festival.
Festival director Michelle Hodgson said: “As usual we have an exciting and diverse line-up for this year’s festival, ranging from our popular Literary Afternoon Tea to authors’ talks, creative workshops and free family events.
“We’re an award-winning festival and we are proud to be putting on events which appeal to a wide range of audiences.
“We are particularly pleased to get Nikesh Shukla up to Huddersfield - his latest novel, The One Who Wrote Destiny, has just been published and is all about a young man who moves from Kenya to Keighley, so it’s a really topical read.”
Here’s everything you need to know about this fantastic event.
The festival started yesterday and runs until Sunday March 31.
Anxiety Free with Sam Owen, 3pm, The Media Centre, £3-£5.
Talk : The Happiness Bible with Cheryl Rickman, 4.30pm, The Media Centre, £3-£5. Talk.
Poetry and Wine, 6pm, Kwas, £7. Ticket price includes glass of wine. 10x10 Poetry Cabinet, Northern Quarter, 7pm, £3-£5. Poetry and spoken word.
Creative writing & performance skills, 2pm, Small Seeds, £5. Workshop.
Huddersfield in 50 buildings with Christopher Marsden, 6pm, Huddersfield Library, £1.50-£3. Talk.
Polari Up North + Gerry Potter + Rosie Wilby, 6pm, Small Seeds, £5-£7. LGBTQ+ entertainment, poetry and stand up
Rosie Wilby - Is Monogamy Dead? 8pm, Small Seeds, £3-£5. Talk.
Sing, autism-friendly family film, 4.30pm, Ukrainian Club, free. Nikesh Shukla In Conversation with Anita Sethi, 6.30pm, Hudawi Cultural Centre, £3-£5. Talk.
Julian Norton, the Yorkshire Vet, 7pm, Marsden Mechanics Hall, £3-£5. Talk.
Stafflex Free Family Day, 10am3.30pm, North Huddersfield Trust School.
The Symmetry of Story with Michael Stewart, 11am, Oastler Building, £3-£12. Writing workshop.
Professor Angela Gallop and Stephen Wade, 11.30am, Oastler Building, £3-£5. Talk on solving crimes using forensic science.
Joanne Harris in conversation, 2pm, Oastler Building, £3-£5. Chocolat author talk.
How to Write a Synopsis with Debbie Taylor, 2pm, Oastler Building, £5-£12. Writing workshop. Fables and Fiction Cosplay Ball, 4pm-8pm, Oastler Building, £4-£8.50.
Kate Fox’s Hyperlexic Cabaret and Q&A, 6pm, Small Seeds, free. Stand up poetry.
Poetry Slam, 8pm-10pm, Small Seeds, £3-£5.
Let Ntozake Shange Change Your Life! 10am, Oastler Building, £5-£10. Workshop.
Literary Huddersfield Walk with Christopher Marsden, 2.30pm, meet at Huddersfield Library, £3. Ninetyminute guided tour.
Festival wrap party, 7pm, The Taproom, Magic Rock Brewing, free. Stand-up with Nick Ahad, reading and DJ set with Dave Haslam.